Jacqueline Thomas

Jacqueline Marie Thomas, nee LaVite, died Sunday, July 6, 2008, peacefully at her home after a long battle with cancer.

She was born in Wood River, the daughter of Peter and Angelina LaVite, who preceded her in death.

Her career included 10 years as a checker at Oakville Tom Boy store and 25 years as a bakery assistant at various Schnucks stores in the St. Louis area. A devout Roman Catholic with an unfailing faith, she attended daily Mass and was a member of Mary Mother of the Church in South St. Louis County and their marvelous cancer support group. She was a 26-year active member and former leader of Saint David Prayer Group in Arnold, Mo., and was in charge of hospitality.

She was also a small group leader at many Life in the Spirit seminars in the St. Louis Archdiocese, always desiring to deepen her faith, living her life as a strong witness for Jesus Christ to each person who was blessed by meeting her. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.

She was the loving stepmother of James M. (Melissa) Thomas and step-grandmother of Mia Thomas and Ethan Thomas and the dear sister of Sam LaVite, Joe (Madilyn) LaVite, Frank (Donna) LaVite, Anthony LaVite, Joe (Susie) LaVite and dear aunt of many nieces and nephews of whom she was very proud.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Jack LaVite and Vincent LaVite.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 8 at Kutis South County Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, where prayer recitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, prior to the 10 a.m. Mass to be at Mary Mother of the Church. The Rev. Mark Whitman will officiate. Interment will be at Woodland Hill Cemetery, East Alton.

Memorials may be made to Mary Mother of the Church for Masses, Saint David Prayer Group or Hospice at BJC.